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property overview

The Baur au Lac boasts a history as breathtaking as its Alp and lakeside setting.

Zurich’s venerable hotel, Baur au Lac, boasts a history as breathtaking as its Alp and lakeside setting. Opened in 1844 by Johannes Baur, the property hosted the world-premiere of Wagner's Die Walküre, with Richard himself performing, and Alfred Nobel’s former secretary, Bertha von Suttner, conceived of the Nobel Peace Prize in one of the hotel’s salons. Today, a cast of royals, actors and musicians are drawn to the grande-dame hotel for its stunning views, private park on the lakeshore and location to Zurich's historic sites and the Bahnhofstrasse, a fabulous shopping street. Of the four dining rooms, the al fresco Terrasse restaurant is the city’s summer hot spot, where locals and guests flock to mingle over light meals, cocktails, and spectacular views from canopy-covered tables.
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We Recommend

Best Cultural Secret

Collection Bührle

One of the most important 20th-century private collections of European art—particularly strong in French Impressionism and Post-Impressionism—can be seen on private tours by appointment. www.buehrle.ch.

Best View

Grossmünster Towers

The Grossmünster church is one of Zurich’s most famous landmarks, but even most locals don’t know you can climb the 184 steps of the towers for an amazing view of the lake and river, the city and the Alps. Grossmünsterplatz.

Museum Must-See

Kunsthaus

This museum has a stunning collection of paintings from the golden age of Dutch painting, the Flemish and Italian Baroque, and the Venetian Settecento. www.kunsthaus.ch.

Best One-Stop Shop

Maurice de Mauriac

Each of the watches at this shop has more than a dozen customization options, so you can design a fine Swiss watch that reflects your personality. www.mauricedemauriac.com.

Top Architecture Find

Schipfe

This area of the Old Town (on the left side of the Limmat River) is a romantic quarter worth strolling to admire its lovely old houses and several small exclusive shops.

Best Restaurant for a Celebration

Tao’s

An elegant restaurant, lounge and nightclub all in one, Tao’s has excellent Asian fusion cuisine and a beautiful terrace in summer. www.taos-lounge.ch.

Best Activity/Excursion

Thermalbad & Spa

This thermal spa housed in a former brewery has a variety of atmospheric bathing areas, one on the roof with dramatic city views. Try the Irish-Roman Spa Ritual. www.thermalbad-zuerich.ch.

Best Newcomer

Tina Bar

Dark and atmospheric inside, Tina Bar at Brasserie Louis serves great cocktails and cigars, and window seats that have wonderful views of the Niederdorf (Old Town). www.brasserie-louis.ch.

Why go now?

zürifäscht town festival

July 1 - 3, 2016

Hundreds of thousands of visitors gather for the greatest carnival in Switzerland. The Züri Fäscht takes place every 3 years.